Rosie's story - Alder Hey Children's Hospital Trust

Rosie was just under 3 calendar months old, 12 weeks and 5 days to be exact, when she had her heart surgery.

Rosie was born with a few issues, none of which were recognised before her birth, so Rosie’s mum – Carrie – was extremely shocked and worried when these came to light shortly after she was born. Rosie was rushed to Alder Hey from Arrowe Park (where she was born) when she was three days old, as she drank very little and couldn’t keep down what she did drink.

It was then discovered that Rosie had malrotation of the bowel, requiring surgery when she was just a week old. After that, it became clear that Rosie also had some serious heart problems that would also need to be fixed.

Rosie had to try and gain weight over time before she was eligible for surgery, and Carrie waited as long as she could before surgery just had to happen. The incredible team led by Dr. Ram fixed two ventricular septal defect (VSDs), 1 atrial septal defect (ASD), and a coarctation of the aorta (narrowing) during a seven-hour, open-heart operation.

Since then, her heart scans have all been great and although she is small for her age, Rosie is a wonderful ball of energy who everyone loves.

These days she loves to listen and dance along to music (particularly punk!), she loves to shout at anyone and everyone, give the biggest smiles to family and strangers alike, play the piano and investigate everything she comes across. She also loves going on the swings!

We were so, so fortunate to have a world class facility like Alder Hey nearby at such a difficult time and are forever grateful for the work everybody there did and does – catering staff, cleaning staff, nurses, doctors, and everyone in between, we love you all!”
Rosie’s mum, Carrie

“Whilst we were in Alder Hey, we started a fundraising drive for the Alder Hey charity called Rose’s Raise, and managed to bring in over £2.2k, which we were delighted about, and which was the least we could do.”